In the realm of construction, sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a necessity. And in this pursuit, recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has emerged as a promising contender. However, RAC has traditionally lagged behind normal concrete in compressive strength, posing a challenge for structural applications. But what if we could enhance the strength of RAC to make it a viable option for construction, particularly in the energy sector where durability and strength are paramount?
Enter Ram Prasad Neupane, a researcher from the School of Engineering and Technology at Walailak University in Thailand. Neupane and his team have been exploring the use of post-tensioned metal straps (PTMS) to actively confine RAC cylinders, a technique that has shown remarkable promise in bolstering the material’s strength. Their findings, published in the journal Sustainable Structures, could revolutionize how we think about recycled materials in construction.
The team’s approach involved applying a post-tensioning force to high-strength metal straps using pneumatic tools, effectively creating a confinement around the RAC cylinders. The results were striking. By increasing the confinement ratio, the researchers were able to significantly boost the strength and axial strains of the RAC cylinders. For instance, at a confinement ratio of 1.6, the strength increased by a staggering 196%, and peak axial strains by 158%.
“We were surprised by the magnitude of the improvements,” Neupane admitted. “The PTMS technique not only enhances the strength of RAC but also its ductility, making it a more versatile material for construction.”
The implications of this research are vast, especially for the energy sector. Structures in this industry, such as power plants and wind turbines, demand high strength and durability. By using RAC with PTMS confinement, energy companies could reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining structural integrity. “This technique could make RAC a go-to material for sustainable construction in the energy sector,” Neupane suggested.
The team’s work doesn’t stop at experimental results. They’ve also developed a new stress-strain constitutive model to predict the behavior of actively confined RAC cylinders. This model, validated through rigorous testing, provides a practical tool for engineers to design structures using this innovative technique.
As the construction industry continues to seek sustainable solutions, Neupane’s research offers a compelling path forward. By demonstrating the effectiveness of PTMS confinement on RAC, this study could reshape how we approach recycled materials, making our structures not only stronger but also more sustainable. The research, published in the journal ‘Sustainable Structures’ (which translates to ‘Durable Structures’), underscores the potential of innovative confining methods to enhance the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete, promoting its wider use in construction.
